This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

A sore throat does not automatically mean you have strep throat. In fact, most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the common cold, and will go away on their own. Strep throat, on the other hand, is an infection caused by a bacteria that requires treatment with antibiotics. Learning to evaluate the symptoms of strep throat will help you seek the proper medical attention you need to recover from the illness.

Understand what strep throat is. Strep throat is contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus.[1]XResearch source Although the hallmark symptom of strep throat is a sore throat, not all sore throats are a result of an bacterial infection caused by streptococcus. In fact, most of the time, sore throats are a result of common viruses and do not need treatment.[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

However, if you do have strep throat treatment is important, as it can cause serious complications including spreading of infection to blood, skin and other organs, rheumatic fever that can affect your heart and joints, and kidney inflammation.

The most common age group affected is five to 15 years old, however anyone can get strep throat.

Watch for symptoms of strep throat. Seeking medical attention is important because doctors can do quick tests to determine if the infection you have is strep throat. Sometimes you may have symptoms of strep throat, but you may not actually have strep throat. One important thing to keep in mind is that there is no cough with strep throat. Symptoms of strep throat may include any of the following:[3]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source

Call your doctor and follow recommendations for testing and treatment. Based on your symptoms your doctor may recommend coming in for a throat swab strep test. This will only take a few minutes and is the only way to definitively diagnose strep throat. You cannot diagnose strep throat just by looking at it.

The “throat swab” test is a rapid antigen test. This test detects strep bacteria in a few minutes. It works by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat. Although this is fast, it may not always be accurate. In some cases, the swab test will come back negative even if you have strep throat. If your doctor thinks that you have strep throat, s/he may culture the test to see if the streptococcus bacteria grows on the swab in the next one to two days.[4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

If your swab test or culture comes back positive, your doctor will prescribe a course of treatment that includes a course antibiotics.

If your doctor does not diagnose you with strep throat, it's possible that you have anything from a common cold to more serious condition like tonsillitis or mononucleosis.

Start your course of antibiotics. If your doctor determines that you have the streptococcus bacteria, then you will need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually taken for 10 days, although your doctor may want you to take them for shorter or longer. The most common antibiotics prescribed for strep throat include penicillin or amoxicillin. If you are allergic, your doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic such as cephalexin or azithromycin. Remember a few things when you begin your antibiotics:[5]XTrustworthy SourceUS Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public healthGo to source

Take the whole course of antibiotics, even when you feel better. Not taking the whole course can increase your chances of a recurrent and more serious infection, as the initial antibiotics may kill the weak bacteria, and the strong bacteria may survive and become resistant to the antibiotics taken. Do not skip doses. Regular antibiotics doses ensure that it works properly.

Try to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. While alcohol won't interfere with most antibiotics, it can intensify the side-effects, making you dizzy, drowsy, and giving you a stomach upset.[6]XResearch source Be aware that some cough syrups and mouthwashes contain alcohol.

Take as directed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to take the antibiotic. Depending on the antibiotic prescribed, it may work better with or without food. For example, Penicillin V should be taken on an empty stomach, while amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. Most antibiotics are taken with a glass of water.

Look out for allergic reactions to antibiotics such as rash, swelling of the mouth, difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience any reaction, talk to your doctor and s/he can prescribe a different antibiotic. If you experience difficulty breathing call 911 as this can be a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Look out for side effects. Side effects of most antibiotics include upset stomach and diarrhea. There may be particular side effects to the antibiotic you are prescribed.

Take an OTC pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This will help pain associated with the sore throat and other symptoms such as fever. Preferably, take the pain medication with food.[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Gargle with saltwater twice a day. This will help to ease the symptoms of strep throat. Mix about ¼ teaspoon of salt into a tall glass of warm water. Take the saltwater in the back of your mouth, lift your head back, and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit the salt water out after the back of your throat is coated.[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking warm, throat-soothing tonics such as lemon tea or tea with honey can help relieve the symptoms of strep throat. In addition, fluids and water keep you hydrated, which helps you to heal more efficiently.[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Use of a humidifier. A humidifier cycles dry air through moist air. This creates air that is easier and more soothing to breathe.[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

If you don't have a humidifier handy, you can create a makeshift humidifier by bringing a pot of water to boil and letting it steam in a room you're inhabiting.

If using a humidifier, be careful not to overdo it. A little bit of moisture in your air is good. Too much moisture isn't. Too much moisture can help create perfect conditions for certain mold and fungus, aggravating symptoms, and possibly even delaying recuperation.

Take a lozenge. Throat lozenges or sprays are available over the counter at pharmacies and can help relieve sore throats. These may contain local anesthetics or antiseptics and offer symptomatic relief.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms continue. It is important to contact your doctor if your symptoms are do not improve within a few days (48 hours) or if symptoms worsen. This could mean your antibiotic is not working.

Stay at home for the first 24 to 48 hours. After you begin taking antibiotics, you will need to stay home for up to 48 hours to avoid spreading strep to someone else. A person is still infectious for the first 48 hours after beginning their course of antibiotics. Take care to avoid infectious contact with other people during this time.[11]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source

Throw away your toothbrush and get a new one. Do this after the first couple days of antibiotics, but before you finish your antibiotics. Otherwise, your old toothbrush could become a carrier and re-infect you once the antibiotics are done.

Avoid contact and don't share personal items. When possible avoid contact with people with strep throat, especially during the contagious period (up to 48 hours after starting treatment). If a family member has strep throat, don't share glasses or utensils.

Wash your hands. Proper hand washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. According to the CDC proper hand washing technique includes:[12]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

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Community Q&A

Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

You would need medication to treat strep throat, and it could be very dangerous for strep throat to go untreated. You should contact your doctor immediately if you believe that you could have strep throat.

Once you started a course of antibiotics, you should start to feel much better within 24 hours. If this does not occur, call your doctor. You may have contracted a strain of bacteria resistant to the drug which your doctor prescribed for you. You should then return to the doctor for a new batch of medicine.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

To evaluate and treat strep throat, look for common symptoms like sore throat, fever, nausea, swollen lymph nodes, and lack of energy. Call up your doctor if you notice any of these signs so they can do a quick throat swab strep test and give you a proper diagnosis. If your swab test comes back positive, your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics for you to take at home. You need to take the full course of antibiotics, generally for 10 days, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the treatment is effective. Also, don't drink alcohol while on the medication as it can cause unpleasant side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to gargle with saltwater to relieve the symptoms of strep throat, scroll down!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 91,818 times.

Reader Success Stories

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Laurel Watts

May 17, 2016

"Great! Used this for a scene in my new book. And I needed it in real life too. My strep has cleared up! This is my go-to site for everything from how to act on a first date--my friend asked me out--to dealing with a cough. Best how-to site ever! Thanks!"..." more

"Great! Used this for a scene in my new book. And I needed it in real life too. My strep has cleared up! This is my go-to site for everything from how to act on a first date--my friend asked me out--to dealing with a cough. Best how-to site ever! Thanks!"..." more